Embedded Design Engineering Intern – Firmware

Leidos LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Competitive compensation

Income protection

Paid leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

Leidos Defense Systems in Huntsville, AL, invites you to join as an Embedded Design Engineering Intern in the Electrical Systems Department. You’ll gain hands-on experience across the product life cycle, from concept to manufacturing, with access to DSP, PCB design, FPGA and embedded software work.

You'll design embedded software and HDL simulations, work with FPGAs, microcontrollers, and Linux-based environments, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams under senior engineers.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in college pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering or related field.
• Experience with C, C++, or Rust embedded software via coursework or internships.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design embedded software and firmware.
• Perform HDL simulations and software unit tests.
• Lab testing with instrumentation and debugging methods.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Work with FPGAs, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and mixed-signal designs.

Skills

C/C++/Rust embedded software

Education

Pursuing Computer Engineering degree

Tools

Xilinx FPGA

GNU/Linux

FPGA Design Tools

Job description

Leidos Defense Systems, is seeking a talented Embedded Design Engineering Intern to join a diverse team to create unique solutions for complex problems. We have offices across the United States that provide responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific, and IT solutions in the defense, space, cyber, and commercial fields. The ideal candidate will thrive in a learning environment that encourages leadership and technical growth. At Leidos, our mission is to reach, equip, and teach students with an interest in the field of defense and aerospace. Running for over two decades, the internship program has been a staple at Leidos, giving interns hands‑on experience in their future career path. With no shortage of work available, interning with Leidos promises growth, experience, and unrivaled opportunity across the US. This position is an Embedded Design Engineering Intern in the Electrical Systems Department. The selected candidate will have an opportunity to experience and learn about all phases of the product life cycle from concept development and detailed design through manufacturing, integration, testing, and post-delivery support. Additional learning opportunities related to digital‑signal processing (DSP) design, printed circuit board (PCB) design, experience with technical trade studies, and evaluation of technology improvements will be provided to the engineering student through this internship.

Primary Responsibilities

• Designing embedded software and firmware
• Performing HDL simulations and software unit tests
• Hands‑on laboratory testing with instrumentation, test equipment, and debug/test methods
• Performing in a collaborative engineering environment working closely with multi‑disciplinary teams
• Working with platforms such as FPGAs, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and mixed signal designs

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college / university and currently working towards a degree in Computer Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with C, C++, or Rust embedded software programming through course work, lab projects, and previous internships.
• Demonstrates problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Holds a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Includes resume and unofficial transcripts in application.
• Must be a US Citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference shown to candidates who have experience and/or working knowledge of:
• Utilizing modern Xilinx FPGA and SoC families and design tools (RFSoC, Xilinx IP Cores, AXI4, AXI-Stream)
• Basic knowledge of FPGA/Firmware languages (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, assembly, Rust)
• Experience with simulation and test frameworks
• RISC microprocessors architectures (ARM Cortex, Microblaze, PowerPC, RISC-V)
• Memory architectures, types, and caching
• GNU/Linux and developing kernel drivers
• Communication protocols such as: UART, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, CAN bus, etc.
• Embedded operating systems (Linux, VxWorks, Integrity, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, uC/OS-II)
• Electronics and PCBA design
• Leading design teams including technical leadership, budgeting, and scheduling

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting: September 30, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range: Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers.

• Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.

More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

About Leidos

Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.